Author: Chukwu Godlove
Image: South African Civil Aviation Authority A helicopter crash on January 19. 2025, was caused by an unsecured African penguin in a cardboard box, a South African Civil Aviation Authority report revealed this week. The incident took place moments after takeoff from Bird Island – a protected marine area and critical habitat for Cape gannets, African penguins, and other seabirds near Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape. ALSO WATCH: Lion makes midnight trip into family’s kitchen, panic follows The penguin, being transported from Bird Island to Gqeberha, was held in a cardboard box on a passenger’s lap. AFP reports that the…
Birding is an interesting and worthwhile activity which fulfills the hearts of many nature lovers. Enhancing your birding experience can transform a simple outing into a memorable adventure. Picture: Unsplash/Patrice Bouchard Here are a few ways to elevate your birding experience: Invest in good binoculars A good pair of binoculars can make a significant difference to your overall experience. Look for ones with a magnification of 8x to 10x, and a wide field view. Learn bird calls Taking the time to familiarize yourself with bird calls can greatly enhance your experience. Many birds are often heard more than they are…
Should you venture up in the mountains of Mpumalanga, you might stumble across a strange little ghost town. Rusted mine shafts, sprawling hillsides, mist-covered graveyards and eerily quaint homes of the forgotten. This is Pilgrim’s Rest and you’re in for a mysterious trip into the history – and mystery – of this little ghost town. Picture: Expedia Declared a gold field in the spring of 1873, Pilgrim’s Rest saw a boom in prospectors making their way to and home in the area. Canvas tents and makeshift structures became iron-roofed homes, apothecaries and general stores. Young men with too much time…
LAGOS, Nigeria — Nigerian authorities have banned the broadcast of “Tell Your Papa,” a new song by veteran rapper Eedris Abdulkareem that sharply criticizes President Bola Tinubu’s administration for economic hardship and insecurity plaguing the country, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) announced Thursday.The NBC, which regulates Nigeria’s broadcast industry, labeled the song “inappropriate” and “objectionable,” citing a violation of Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, which prohibits content deemed offensive or against public decency. In a memo dated April 9, 2025, signed by Susan Obi, the NBC’s Coordinating Director of Broadcast Monitoring, radio and television stations were ordered to…
As the days grow shorter and the chill of winter creeps in, I find myself yearning for some final fun in the sun. Winter is my least favourite month. As a Joburger, I’ve recently been spending a lot of time wondering about which part of South Africa to explore before cold weather confines me to the warmth of my home. Allow me to share some of my considerations in making the most of these last sunny days; Beach bliss in Durban KwaZulu Natal South Africa. Image: Getty Images I love a good beach day, and the idea of the warm…
Bamako, Mali — Alfousseini Togo, editor of the independent newspaper Le Canard de la Venise, was arrested on April 9 by Mali’s anti-cybercrime unit following the publication of an article critical of Justice Minister Mamoudou Kassogué. The piece, titled “The Blunder of Minister Mamoudou Kassogué,” challenged the minister’s claims of increased public trust in Mali’s justice system, alleging unreliable figures and highlighting systemic corruption and repression. Togo faces charges including defamation and undermining state credibility, with a trial set for June 12.Press and human rights organizations have condemned Togo’s arrest, viewing it as part of a broader crackdown on dissent…
LIBREVILLE, Gabon — Gabon is poised to hold its first presidential election on April 12, marking a significant step in its transition back to civilian rule following the August 2023 military coup that ended the Bongo family’s 56-year reign.The August 2023 coup, led by General Brice Oligui Nguema, was prompted by widespread allegations of electoral fraud in President Ali Bongo Ondimba’s disputed re-election. Nguema, a cousin of Bongo, was swiftly appointed as transitional president and pledged to restore democratic order. His administration initiated key reforms, including the drafting of a new constitution and the scheduling of elections within two years.In…
Posted on 11 April 2025 In response to the long-standing requests from day visitors, Mountain Zebra National Park (MZNP) has introduced midday guided game drives to its range of offerings. Picture: AnnaKate Auten/Unsplash As reported by SANParks, the Park had previously only provided early morning, sunset and night guided game drives. This limited the experience for many day visitors who travelled significant distances to reach MZNP. ALSO READ: Embracing nature in the North West province Led by knowledgeable tourist guides, the Park’s game drives have always been a popular choice among guests. In addition to the new midday drives, the…
Fastjet Zimbabwe has successfully introduced the Harare to Lusaka flight, connecting the two vibrant cities with a thrice a week flight. Launched on Wednesday, the flights will be available on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The airline deployed a 50-seater Embraer ERJ145 aircraft for this service. The aircraft type is known to provide the versatility needed to build a sustainable regional network with the right size capacity, while offering customers comfortable seating with generous legroom. Transport and Infrastructural Development Deputy Minister, Joshua Sacco, who was on the inaugural flight to Lusaka, said: “In Zimbabwe, Fastjet flies to Harare, Bulawayo and Victoria…
Namibia: I was smitten when I first set foot in this vast coastal country in southwest Africa over twenty years ago. A land characterised by juxtaposed terrains – a sea of sun-drenched ferric dunes stretches into what seems like infinity alongside the bracing shore of the azure Atlantic Ocean. I recalled my times in Namibia with fondness, as well as chatted to Rhino Africa’s Travel Experts about what makes this country so remarkable…Unplug in Namibia’s surreal serenity, where fiery desert dunes meet the cool embrace of the Atlantic OceanDigital Detox in Namibia In this blog, fellow Namibia enthusiasts and Rhino Africa…